Tag: Cybersecurity Consultant

AI‑Powered Attacks and Deepfakes on the Rise for SMEs

Posted on by Cindy Martinson

Today, AI‑Powered Attacks and Deepfakes are rapidly reshaping the cybersecurity landscape, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These businesses are no longer flying under the radar. Cybercriminals now use advanced tools powered by artificial intelligence to target vulnerable organizations with alarming precision. As these threats grow more complex, partnering with a seasoned cybersecurity consultant becomes not just beneficial—but essential. In this blog, we explore how SMEs can reduce risk and prevent devastating attacks by staying one step ahead.

Understanding the Threat: AI Is Now in the Hands of Hackers

To begin with, AI is no longer reserved for tech giants and research labs. Today’s cybercriminals are leveraging affordable, user-friendly AI tools to create convincing fake voices, cloned videos, and automated attacks at scale. For example, a deepfake scam in Hong Kong used a fake video call to trick an employee into sending $25 million to fraudsters posing as executives (Read more on this here: Business Insider).

Even more concerning, these tools are increasingly being used against small businesses. A recent report found that nearly 50% of SMEs have already encountered an AI-enabled attack. These include phishing emails written by AI, voice deepfakes that impersonate leadership, and malware that adapts in real-time to bypass security systems. As a result, AI‑Powered Attacks and Deepfakes are now one of the most urgent threats SMEs face.

Why SMEs Are Prime Targets

Although large corporations make headlines, smaller businesses are often seen as easier, more accessible targets. Many lack dedicated IT teams or robust cybersecurity infrastructure, making them ideal victims for these AI-fueled attacks. What’s worse, the damage from a single incident—financial loss, legal exposure, or reputational harm—can be difficult or even impossible to recover from.

This is why AI‑Powered Attacks and Deepfakes are more than just a tech issue—they’re a business risk that demands strategic attention.

Prevention Starts with the Right Partner

This is where partnering with a seasoned cybersecurity consultant becomes a game changer. These professionals help SMEs identify vulnerabilities, set up preventive measures, and stay ahead of fast-moving threats. Common solutions include implementing endpoint protection, multi-factor authentication, and secure backups—alongside crucial employee awareness training.

Even more importantly, consultants help tailor these tools to the size and budget of an SME. They can monitor new threats, help respond to incidents quickly, and ensure ongoing compliance with security standards. In doing so, partnering with a seasoned cybersecurity consultant significantly lowers the chance of falling victim to AI-based scams.

Lower Risk, Higher Resilience

By taking action now, SMEs can greatly lower risks and improve resilience without the overhead of building an in-house security team. Not only do you get peace of mind, but in many cases, businesses that adopt strong cybersecurity practices also qualify for reduced cyber insurance premiums—making the investment even more worthwhile.

In summary:

  • AI‑Powered Attacks and Deepfakes are on the rise and now pose serious threats to SMEs.

  • These attacks are smarter, faster, and more convincing than ever before.

  • Partnering with a seasoned cybersecurity consultant is the most effective way to reduce risk, prevent costly incidents, and build long-term resilience.

5 Quick Checks to See If You are a Target

Posted on by Cindy Martinson

5 Quick Checks to See If You’re a Target

Cybersecurity for small businesses is no longer optional—it’s essential. Every day, cybercriminals shift their attention to companies with limited protections. If you run a small or medium-sized business, you might already be a target without knowing it. Here are five quick checks to help you assess your risk and take action to protect your business from cyber attacks.

1. Do you use multi-factor authentication?

If you’re only using passwords to access company data or emails, you’re vulnerable. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a second layer of protection and makes it harder for attackers to break in.

2. Are your systems and software up to date?

Outdated software is one of the most common entry points for hackers. If your systems haven’t been patched recently, you’re leaving the door open for exploitation.

3. Do your employees know how to spot phishing?

Human error is still a major cause of breaches. A simple phishing email can lead to data loss or financial damage. Staff training is key to reducing this risk.

4. Is your data backed up—and tested?

Backing up your data isn’t enough. You also need to test those backups regularly. If you can’t restore your files quickly in an emergency, you’re exposed.

5. Do you have a response plan?

If a breach occurs, what happens next? A clear and tested response plan can limit the damage and help you recover faster.

Small businesses are often seen as easy targets. But with the right tools and support, that doesn’t have to be true. Investing in cybersecurity for small businesses helps you avoid costly downtime, legal issues, and reputational damage. Our team offers expert services tailored to SMEs, so you can protect your business from cyber attacks without the stress.

👉 Stay informed: Why SMEs can no longer ignore cyber risk (Zorz, 2025).

Need help protecting your business? Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation assessment.

Starting Your IT Department: In-House with Support or Fully Outsourced?

Posted on by Cindy Martinson

Starting Your IT Department: In-House with Support or Fully Outsourced?

Setting up your IT department is a big step for any growing business. You typically have two options: build your team with internal staff and a consultant, or work solely with an external IT consultant. Each model can work well, depending on your goals, budget, and how much control you want.

Let’s explore what each setup involves, what to look for, and how to decide which one is best for your business.

Option 1: Build Your Team with Internal Staff and a Consultant

This approach combines your own hires with the help of an experienced IT consultant. It’s a great fit if you want to keep daily IT operations in-house but still want expert advice on systems, strategy, and risk.

Benefits:

  • Direct control over day-to-day IT needs

  • Ongoing advice from someone with broader experience

  • Knowledge stays inside your business

The consultant’s role is to guide your team, keep everything running smoothly, and support your long-term IT planning. They can also help with choosing the right tools, setting up secure systems, and training your staff.

What to Look For:

Choose a consultant who:

  • Has experience working alongside small IT teams

  • Communicates clearly and avoids jargon

  • Offers flexible support and training options

This setup helps your team grow while reducing the chance of costly mistakes.

Option 2: Fully Outsourced IT Consultant

If hiring staff isn’t right for you just yet, you can work solely with an external IT consultant. They act as your IT department, handling everything from setup to support.

This is ideal for small businesses, startups, or those who need reliable IT without the overhead of full-time hires.

Benefits:

  • Lower upfront cost compared to hiring staff

  • Access to broader knowledge and tools

  • Scalable services as your business grows

What to Look For:

A good external consultant should:

  • Provide clear service-level agreements (SLAs)

  • Offer fast, reliable support when things go wrong

  • Understand the tech challenges of your industry

You should also ask for regular check-ins or reports. These help you stay in control even if the work is being done off-site.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

Whether you decide to build your team with internal staff and a consultant or work solely with an external IT consultant, your goal is the same — to keep your technology secure, efficient, and ready to grow with your business.

Start by identifying what support you need now and in the near future. Think about:

  • Your team’s tech skills

  • Your budget

  • The pace of your business growth

Whichever path you take, the right consultant will work as a partner, not just a technician. They’ll help you make smart decisions, protect your systems, and avoid common pitfalls. A recent move by Schroders to outsource much of its IT operations highlights the real-world benefits of external IT consultants — delivering cost savings, agility, and specialist expertise.

Don’t wait until something breaks to think about IT. Whether you want to build from the inside or outsource fully, planning early makes a big difference. Choose the model that matches your business goals, and make sure your consultant speaks your language — not just tech talk.

Need help figuring out the best fit? We can guide you through the process.

Why SME Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Matter Now More Than Ever

Posted on by Cindy Martinson

Why SME Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Matter Now More Than Ever

Today, SME cybersecurity is more than a good idea—it’s essential. Small and medium businesses are now top targets for cyber criminals. That’s why improving SME cybersecurity should be a priority. At the same time, building strong cyber resilience helps businesses recover quickly after an attack. Without cyber resilience, even a small breach can cause big damage.

Cyber Attacks Are Changing

Recently, attackers have shifted their focus. Instead of going after large companies, they are targeting smaller firms. Why? Because SMEs often lack full-time IT support.

A new Axios article highlights how Zip Security raised $13.5 million to provide simple, automated protection for SMEs. This move shows just how serious the threat has become—and how much demand there is for better tools.

Human Risk Is Growing

It’s not just the tech. People are a key part of the problem—and the solution. According to TechRadar, burnout in IT teams is now a major risk. When staff are overworked, basic security steps—like updates and password checks—often get missed.

How SMEs Can Take Action

Here are three easy ways to improve protection:

  • Use automated tools like those from Zip Security

  • Train your team and avoid overworking them

  • Create a simple recovery plan so you’re ready if something goes wrong

Also,  grants are available to help small firms get expert help. Ireland’s National Cybersecurity Centre reports on new support from the government.

Final Thought

Focusing on SME cybersecurity and cyber resilience now could save your business later. Start small—but start today.

Cybersecurity Blind Spots in SMEs

Posted on by Cindy Martinson

Why SMEs Are a Hacker’s Favorite Target: The Hidden Risks You Can’t Ignore

Cybersecurity threats are no longer limited to global corporations. In fact, cybersecurity blind spots in SMEs have become a goldmine for cybercriminals. Many small and medium-sized businesses believe they’re too insignificant to attract attention — but that assumption is exactly what makes them such appealing targets.

Why SMEs Are on the Radar

Hackers actively target SMEs because they often lack the budgets, tools, or expertise to build strong cyber defenses. As a result, these businesses are easier to breach and slower to detect threats — especially when staff haven’t received proper cyber awareness training.

The Top Risks Facing Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Today

Understanding these specific risks is key to building stronger defenses:

1. Phishing Attacks
Employees often fall for emails containing malicious links or requests for login credentials. Even your most cautious team member can be fooled by a well-crafted phishing message if they haven’t been trained to spot one.

2. Ransomware
This threat is no longer exclusive to large corporations. Today, SMEs are prime targets because attackers know smaller firms are more likely to pay quickly just to resume operations.

3. Weak Password Practices
Reused passwords, default logins, and the absence of two-factor authentication make it easy for attackers to brute-force their way into critical systems.

4. Unpatched Software
Outdated plugins, apps, and operating systems present a major vulnerability. Many SMEs delay updates for convenience — unknowingly leaving doors wide open for cyber intrusions.

5. Third-Party Risk
When you work with outsourced vendors, SaaS tools, or freelancers, your data may become exposed through less secure external networks. Without oversight, these partnerships can create serious security gaps.

Cybersecurity Blind Spots in SMEs: A Real Risk

Most SMEs don’t realize they’ve been compromised until weeks or even months after the breach. These blind spots include:

  • Lack of employee training

  • No incident response plan

  • Ignoring mobile device security

  • Assuming antivirus software alone provides sufficient protection

Left unaddressed, these oversights can cause reputational damage, legal exposure, and in some cases, total business closure.

What Can You Do Right Now?

Start by conducting a cybersecurity risk assessment to identify your company’s most vulnerable areas. Then take action by establishing clear security policies, investing in staff training, and ensuring systems and software are regularly updated.

Rather than assuming your business is too small to be a target, act as if it already is — because chances are, it’s already on a hacker’s radar.

For more eye-opening stats and insights into the threats most SMEs overlook, read:

🔗 “Surprising Cybersecurity Facts Every SME Should Know”

Final Thought

Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue — it’s a business survival issue. By addressing the cybersecurity blind spots in SMEs, you protect more than just your data. You safeguard your customers, your revenue, and your reputation.

Cybersecurity on a Budget

Posted on by Cindy Martinson

Cybersecurity on a Budget: 7 Simple Steps Every SME Should Take

Cybersecurity isn’t just for big companies anymore. These days, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are often the main targets for cyberattacks. Why? Because they usually don’t have strong protection in place. This is often because businesses assume that they cannot expect affordable cybersecurity that will work with their budget and security needs.

The good news is, you don’t need a big budget or an IT team to get started. With a few smart steps, you can build a solid defense. In fact, affordable cybersecurity for SMEs is not only possible — it’s more important than ever.

paper money note becoming pixels and entering the online world
Making your budget work for your security posture.

Here are 7 simple things every SME should do right now:

1. Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

First, protect your accounts by turning on MFA. It adds an extra step when logging in — like a code sent to your phone. This makes it much harder for hackers to break in.

2. Look at Your Risks

Next, take time to figure out where your business is most at risk. A basic risk assessment helps you see what needs fixing first.

3. Limit Admin Access

Don’t give everyone full access to your systems. Instead, only give extra permissions to people who truly need them.

4. Train Your Team

Also, make sure your employees know how to spot common scams, like fake emails. A little training goes a long way.

5. Keep Software Updated

Hackers look for outdated software. So, update your apps and systems regularly to stay safe.

6. Back Up Your Data

If something goes wrong, you’ll want a backup. Use both local and cloud backups — and make sure they actually work.

7. Have a Plan for Emergencies

Finally, write down what to do if a cyberattack happens. This way, your team can act fast and stay calm.

To sum it up, affordable cybersecurity for SMEs starts with small, smart actions. These seven steps won’t cost much — but they can protect a lot.

Need help getting started? Let’s talk.

Protect Your Business with the Right Cyber Security

Posted on by admin

Why Your Industry Needs a Cybersecurity Consultant Now More Than Ever

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, industries that rely on sensitive data are facing increasing pressure to strengthen their digital defenses. For many organizations, hiring a cybersecurity consultant is no longer optional—it’s essential.

High-Risk Industries: Why the Stakes Are Higher

According to a recent report in the Guardian (, 2024), several sectors are disproportionately targeted by cybercriminals. These attacks exploit weaknesses in systems that handle large volumes of sensitive or high-value information.

Education & Research

Universities and research institutions are frequent targets due to their vast stores of intellectual property and personal data. Cybercriminals often seek research findings or use ransomware to disrupt operations. A cybersecurity expert can help mitigate these risks with advanced threat detection and secure data practices.

Healthcare

With personal health records and critical operational systems at stake, the healthcare industry cannot afford weak cyber protection. Breaches not only violate patient privacy but can endanger lives. A cybersecurity advisor ensures your systems meet both ethical and regulatory standards.

Financial Services

Banks and fintech firms handle constant transactions, making them prime targets for fraud and theft. Employing a skilled cyber professional helps institutions stay compliant while preventing high-cost intrusions.

Government & Defense

These sectors deal with highly classified information. A breach could threaten national security. Only seasoned cybersecurity consultants with specialized experience should manage such critical assets.

What a Cybersecurity Consultant Can Do for You

A professional cybersecurity consultant provides:

  • Threat Intelligence – Stay updated on evolving attack methods.

  • Vulnerability Assessments – Identify weak spots before they’re exploited.

  • Incident Response Planning – Minimize downtime and reputational damage.

  • Tailored Security Strategies – Align protection with your industry’s specific risks.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re safeguarding research, financial transactions, or patient data, the need for expert cybersecurity support is clear. Partnering with a knowledgeable cybersecurity consultant is a strategic move for long-term resilience.

For additional reading on current industry risks, see Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) for tools and guidelines tailored to your sector.